Electric dry shaver



y 1965 1. JEPSON ETAL 3,196,539

ELECTRIC DRY SHAVER Filed May 12, 1961 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 ,d ggy! 60 m H I62 i? f 7% INVENTORS ON AND fig 23 y FRANCIS J.$C/-/UE$$LER fieoge 6 64M ATTOEA/EY July 27, 1965 1. JEPSON ETAL ELECTRIC DRY SHAVER 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 12, 1961 Ev m @w it I #m ummQQ aw NQ MQ Q31 NQ ll. mm i i 3 2%Emmim mm mmmmmmmmgfim R N NW1 .q 1 Emi J11 u,

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ELECTRIC DRY SHAVER Filed May 12. 1961 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS /I/42 JEPsoM AA/D BY FRAA/C/S J SmJdessLs/a eoge awe ATTOEA/EY y 27, 1965 l. JEPSON ETAL 3,196,539

ELECTRIC DRY SHAVER Filed May 12, 1961 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS.

Y FRANCIS Sap/055mm Arrow/Ev y 1965 l. JEPSON ETAL 3,196,539

ELECTRIC DRY SHAVER Filed May 12. 1961 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Mqe z/EPSOA/ Ali/0 BYFRAA/C/S J SCAJL/ESSLEE J ly 7, 1955 1. JEPSON ETAL ELECTRIC DRY SHAVER 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed May 12, 1961 INVENTORS WAR JEPso/v AM: By FRANCIS d. SCHUESSLEE ATTOEA/ES/ United States Patent 3,I96,539 ELECTRIC DRY SHAVER Ivar Jcpsnn, Gait Park, and Francis J. Schnessier, Chicago, 131., assigners to Sunbeam tCorpor-ation, (Chicago, tilt, at corpcration of Illinois Filed May 12, 196i, Ser. No. 109,551 13 (Ilaims. (Ci. 30-43.?)

This invention relates to apparatus for removing beards or face hair as well as effecting depilation of hair on the arms, legs and other portions of the human body, and is generally referred to as an electric dry shaver. More particularly, the present invention is in the nature of an improvement on the electric dry shaver disclosed and claimed in Jepson Patent No. 2,688,184, granted September 7, 1954 and assigned to the same assignee.

Electric shavers of several different types are extensively employed by many persons as the sole means of shaving. The type of electric shaver disclosed in the above-mentioned Jepson patent has proved to be unusually satisfactory for reducing shaving time while still furnishing a very satisfactory shave. Moreover, this shaver has been designed so that it may be held comfortably and conveniently in the hand of the operator. Proof of the desirability of this design is evidenced by the fact that all major electric shavers sold on the market today are essentially of the general shape and configuration of the shaver shown in the lemon patent which was a radical departure from preceding shaver designs.

The type of shaver disclosed in the above-mentioned Jepson patent is one in which the beard enters the shaving head through a curved comb perforated with a network of small holes. An oscillated cutter travelling back and forthacross the comb at high speed and thrown by centrifugal force against the inside surface of the comb whisks oif the heard. The cutter floats in a cutter header and shaft assembly thatis oscillated by a powerful electric motor having speeds in excess of 8000 cycles per minute.

It would be desirable in a shaver of the type shown in the above-mentioned Jepson patent to provide improved means for removing the hair or clippings accumulated by the shaver, to provide improved cutting means and to provide means whereby the clipping of a mustache, sideburns and the like can be acomplished with greater ease and accuracy.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved electric dry shaver.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an electric dry shaver having improved cutting means.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved electric dry shaver having a plurality of oscillating cutting blades.

Still another object of the present invention resides in an electric dry shaver having a trimming portion for cutting long hairs on the neck, ears, nose and sideburns,

as well as for trimming a mustache or the like, which trimmer is completely safe with no moving parts exposed.

A still further object of the present invention resides in an improved mounting means for the curved comb for removing the accumulated hairs collected after repeated operations of the electric dry shaver.

Still another object of the present invention resides in an electric dry shaver having an improved switch means incorporated as a part thereof so that by a mere actuation of the switch the shaver is turned on and off.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds and the features of novelty which characterize the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

3,196,539 Patented July 27, 1965 "ice For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the electric shaver of the present invention with the start-stop switch in the open position;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper portion of the shaver of FIG. 1 shown with the comb in the open position;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 44 of FIG. 3, but with a comb guard shown over the comb and the start-stop switch in the closed position;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 4, assuming that FIG. 4 shows the complete structure;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 66 of FIG. 4, again assuming that FIG. 4 shows the complete structure, but with the comb guard removed;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 4, also assuming that FIG. 4 shows the complete structure, but with the comb guard removed;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view looking in the direction of the arrows 8-8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 99 of FIG. 4, again assuming that FIG. 4 shows the complete structure;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 1010 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view of a portion of FIG. 9-

illustrating how one releases the comb latch of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of an outside one of the plurality of cutting blades of the electric dry shaver of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a view somewhat similar to FIG. 1 showing the dry shaver of the present invention used in a trimming operation for trimming sideburns; and

FIG. 14 is a sectional View taken on line 1414 of FIG. 9 to illustrate the mounting 10f the comb to the comb lock.

Briefly, the present invention is concerned with an electric dry shaver having a plurality of oscillating cutting blades cooperating with a perforated comb and depending upon centrifugal force and spring means for moving the cutters into engagement with the comb. The shaver includes an ON-OFF switch of improved design for controlling the same and an improved means of locking and supporting the comb and releasing the same for cleaning out accumulated clippings. It further includes an improved arrangement being merely an extension of the same cutting blades for providing a trimming function. The entire mechanism is mounted in a compact casing which is easy to manipulate and provides a large shaving area to insure high speed removal of hair.

Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is illustrated as embodied in an electric dry shaver generally designated by the reference numeral 20. Essentially, the shaver comprises a cutting assembly or mechanism, generally designated at 21, comprising a plurality of cutters 21a, 21b and 210, coacting with a comb or cutting surface 22. The comb and cutter mechanism are associated with a suitable casing, generally designated at 23, and the comb 22 preferably comprises a substantial portion of the surface of the casing 23. Housed within the casing 23 is a suitable electric motor, generally designated at 24, which is adapted to be connected by suitable driving means, generally designated at 2 5, with the cutting or cutter mechanism 21 in order to cause oscillation of this cutter mechanism at a speed in excess of 8000 cycles per minute.

As is fully disclosed in the aforesaid Jepson patent,

the casing 23 is of boxlike configuration so that it may be readily held in the hand of the user and no further discussion of this feature is included herewith.

For ease. of assembling the electric shaver 20 ofthe present invention, the casing 23 essentiallycomprises three parts designated as 26, 27 and 28, respectively. The ca'sing portion 26 isa, rectangular cup-shaped por-tion,,preferably molded from a suitable plastic material, and having an open top and a closed bottom. The bottom of the casing portion 26preferably includes a flat portion 26a, which providesasurface for supporting the shaver inthe upright position shown in FIG. 1 of'the drawings. Preferably the sidesof the casing portion 26, where likely to be engaged by the operators fingers, are provided with raised ribbed portions 26b (FIGS. 2, 6 and 7) to makeit easier to manipulate and "also for the additional purpose of providing amorepleasing appearance. 7

' The casing section or'portion 26 is provided at a lower corner thereofpwit-h a flanged opening 29 (FIG. 4), the purpose of which will becomeapparent from the ensuing description. A pair of countersunk openings 30 and 31 are provided in. the flat'bottom portion 26a of the casing section 26 to, accommodate suitable fastening screws described'hereinafter. The opening 31 is slightly elongated,

as ,clearly shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, to provide for the manufacturing tolerances in connection with fastening means to be describ ed hereinafter. If desired to improve the appearance, a sui-table decorative cap mem ber 32 may be provided for one end of the casing section 26. This cap member is provided with an opening 33,

aligned withtheopening 29. The cap member is held in positionby suitable tabs 32!: and 325; the tab 3211 extending aroundthef top edge of easing portion 26, while the'tab 32b extends through an opening 35 provided in the casing portion 26. It will beappreciated that these tabs, upon "asemblyQafe'bent to the positions indicated to Hold thedecorative' cap 32 in place.

The casing portions 27 and 2-8 arejeifectively end caps, the former beingmolded ofasuitableplastic in the same manner as the casing 26, while the latter is preferably a die casting of metal orfthe like having the same appearance as the decorative cap 32 described above. When the entire electricd'ry shaver 20 is assembled, certain interlo cking parts cooperate to hold the casing portions 26, '27 and 28in assembled relationship, Q

As in the aforementioned Jepson-"patent, the casing 23 is effectively divided into" a'rno-tor chamber, generally designatedat'36, and a. cutter chamber, generally designated at 37'. The motor chamber 36 is substantially all disposed 'with-in the housing section 26, although, as is obvious from FIG. 4, a small portion thereof extends slightly above the portion 26 into the space between the end caps 27 and 28. The principal space. between the end caps 27 and 2 8 comprises'the cutter chamber 37. As was mentioned'above, the end caps 27 and 28 have interlocking portions much the same as described in the abovementioned Jepson patent for maint-aining'them in posi tion with the rest of the housing 23 without the necessity of any fastening means of thenature of screws or the like.

Briefly, as in the disclosure of the above-mentioned Jeps'on patent, each of the endcaps 27 and 28 is provided with apair of side notches 34 (FIGS. 4, and 6) for receiving lugs or extensions of a support portion of the. cutting assemblyjdescribed hereinafter. Also, the rim of easing portion 26 intenlocks with cooperating flange portions or shoulders on end caps 27 and 28, as best shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7 of the drawings. For the purpose of effectively separating the motor chamber-36 from the cutter chamber 37, there is pro vided a head or head member 39 which preferably is a die cast memberlhaving a horizontally disposed portion 39a eifectivelydefining a wall between'the motor chamber 36 and thezcutterchamber 37. This head 39 in cludes at one end an integral upstanding end portion 39b for supporting a suitable cutter shaft bearing 41. The upstanding portion 39b also includes an arcuate surface with projecting lugs designated at 39c (FIGS. 2, 4 and 9) which provides a support for one end of the comb 22. Supported on the other end of the head member 39 and suitably secured thereto by fastening means 49 (FIG. 5) is a head bearing seat 42 and a head, bearing cap 43, both of which are formed of powdered bronze or the like so as to forman oilless bearing for the end of the cutter shaft opposite to and aligned with the bearing 41. The bearing cap 43 is provided with an arcuate projection 43a defining a comb support, similar to the comb support 390 but of a larger radius.

Preferably, the head 39 is fastened to the motor 24 by suitable-fastening means 56,50 that the motor 24' and the head 39 form asubassembly whichfis readily removable and insertab-le intothe casing section 26'. The head 39 is provided at each end with .1ugs39d (FIGS. 4,5 and 6) for interlocking engagement with the notches 34 described above. As in the above-mentioned Jepson patent, there preferably is interposed between the head 39 .and the motor 24 a comb lock spring 44- which is clamped between the head 39 and the motor. 24 and held in position by the same fastening means which hold the motor and head in assembled relationship. The comb. lock spring' has a central openingtoiaccornmodate the portion of the motor 24 which extends above the upper edgeof the casing 26,

' but it includes end portions 44a, best shown in FIG. 9

of the drawings, which are adapted to cooperate with suitable comb locks. described hereinafter substana tially in'the identical manner asdisclosed in the abovementioned Jepson patent.. j

' The motor 24, which is fully described in Jepson Patent No. 2,688,184, .briefly'comprises a field structureof generally rectangular cross section formed of a plurality oflaminations 45 encircling an armature 46. The armature 46 is supported by a shaft 47 suitably journalled .in self-aligning bearings 48 and 49 which are supported re 'spectivelyby end bearing blocks 50 and 51. The bearing block .50 is preferably designated the commutator. end bearing block, whilethe bearing block 51 is designated as the crank end bearing block, thereason for-which will I become apparent from the following description. The endbearing blocks are preferably molded of a suitable plastic material. 1 Thecommutator end bearing 50 is preferably molded with a suitable recess to -receive the selfaligning bearing 48, which is preferably heldin position by suitable bearing retainer 53 held in position by rivets 52. The bearing 49, on the other hand, is suitably supported in a bearing cup 54 having a.configuration corresponding to the exterior ofthe bearing 49 and theinterior. of crank end bearing block 51. Bearing 49 is held in position by a bearing retainer 57, and the bearing cup 54 and bearing retainer '57 are suitably secured to crank end bearing block 51 by rivets 58. It will be appreciated that at least the shaft engaging portions of the self-aligning bearings -48 and 49 are formed. of a material which provideswhat is commonlyreferred to as an. oilless bearing.

i To providea unitary motor assembly, the laminations 45, forming the field structure are clamped together by field studs, 60 (FIG. 9), which fieldlstuds have-threaded extensions at. each end thereof for'receiving nuts 60a and mutating types Consequently, associated with the armature 46 is a commutator 64, the latter being secured to the motor shaft 47 and effectively housed within the commutator and bearing housing 50.

Supported in diametrically opposed relationship in the commutator end bearing block 5% are a pair of brush holders 65 and 66 which are in the form of tubes or sleeves having the longitudinal axes thereof in alignment and extending from the interior to the exterior of the commutator end bearing block 5d. The outer end of each of the tubes or sleeves forming the brush holders 65 and 66 are formed with a circumferential bead so as to be clampingly engaged by resilient fingers forming part of removable conducting caps 67, which interfit with the beads or circumferential enlargements in a manner clearly shown in the drawings. Each of the caps 67 is provided with an extension 67a which provides a ready means to which conductors connected to the field coils 6t and as can be connected. Such leads are indicated as 68 and 69, respectively, in FIG. 4 of the drawings, Reciprocably movable in each of the brush holder sleeves 65 and 66 are brushes 70, arranged to electrically engage the com mutator 64 with a pressure determined by suitable springs designated at 71.

For the purpose of insulating the conducting cap 67 associated withbrush holder 65 and insuring that it will not come into electrical contact with the head 39, there is preferably provided an insulating sheet 72 (FIG. 4) which is clamped between the motor 24 and the head 39 and includes. a portion which preferably may be clamped to the commutator end bearing block by the same screws which hold the laminations 45 and bearing block 51? and 51 in assembled relationship. This insulating sheet 72, in effect, encloses the conducting cap 67 and the min sulated portion of the lead 63 electrically connected there to. If desired, similar insulating means may be provided in connection with the conducting cap 67 associated with the lower brush holder sleeve 66.

In order to support the motor 24 and the cutter assembly, to be described hereinafter, within the housing 23, the end bearing blocks 50 and 51, as best shown in FIG. 6, are each provided at the portions adjacent the bottom 26a of casing section 26 with a T-shaped extension designated as 50a in case of the end bearing block 59, and 51a in case of the end bearing block 51. These T-shaped extensions define opposed grooves 73 and 74 (FIG. 6) for receiving therein portions of a clamp member 75 having a configuration such as is clearly shown in -FIG. 6 of the drawings. These clamp members 75 are provided with an opening to receive a screw or similar fastening means 76 which are inserted into the counterbored openings 30 and 31 described above, thereby suitably securing the motor assembly comprising the motor 24 and the associated cutter assembly within the housing 23. Preferably, the end bearing blocks 50 and 51 are provided with suitable openings 77 and 78 which will permit the fastening means 76 to extend therein. With this arrangement it is obvious that a very simple and inexpensive means for securing the motor to the casing is provided Without the necessity of molding threaded inserts into the bearing blocks or the necessity of threading suitable openings defined therein.

For the purpose of converting rotary motion of the motor shaft 47 to oscillating motion of the cutter assembly 21, the former is provided with a coaxial recess '79 for receiving a crankshaft 80, which crankshaft supports a combined crank and counterweight 82 and a crankpin 83. Preferably the end of the crankshaft 8% remote from the crank 82is threaded for engaging with cooperating threads defined within the axial recess 79.

For imparting oscillatory motion to the cutter mechanism 21, there is provided a cutter shaft 85 which has one end thereof supported by the bearing 41 described above and the other end supported by the bearing defined between the head bearing seat 42. and the head bearing cap 43. This cutter shaft 85 is mounted in spaced parallel relationship with the motor shaft 47 and is substantially coextensive therewith. It will be understood that during the assembly operation the end of the cutter shaft adjacent the commutator end bearing block 50 is inserted into the bearing 41 and the other end is then placed on the head bearing seat 42 after which the head bearing cap is placed in position and then both the head bearing seat and head bearing cap are clamped to the head 39, thereby defining a major portion of the head assembly. The end of the cutter shaft 85 adjacent the crank end bearing block 51 is rigidly connected with a crank arm assembly comprising a combined counterweight and crank arm 88 with a crank arm pin 89 disposed in coextensive spaced parallel relationship with the crankpin 83 so that the crankpins may be interconnected by a connecting rod 90. The connecting rod 90 is preferably of the type disclosed in the above-mentioned Jepson patent being molded from a suitable material, such as nylon, and being hollow from end to end thereof. The space within the hollow connecting rod can then be packed with grease or a suitable lubricant, thereby eliminating a lubrication problem. Suitable means, such as spring clip 91 cooperating with a groove in crankpin 83, serve to hold connecting rod 90 in operating position.

In accordance with the present invention, there is mounted within the motor chamber 36 a suitable control swi ch generally designated by the reference numeral 92, which switch includes a rigid platelike insulating support or plate 93 which might be referred to as a switch plate, best shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 of the drawings. In addition to serving as a switch mounting member, the insulating plate 93 also performs an assembly function in that it cooperates with means already described to lock the end cap 28 in assembled position. In this connection the end cap 28 is provided with a pair of vertically disposed side grooves defined between shoulder portions 28a, which grooves receive the side edges of the upper end of the switch plate 93, as viewed in FIG. 4 of the drawings. This arrangement also insures proper positioning of the upper end of switch plate 93. The lower portion of the switch plate 93 is secured to an integral troughlike extension 51]; (FIGS. 4 and 6) of the crank end bearing block 51 which partially encloses the crank 82 and crankpin 83, as well as the lower end of the connecting rod 90. This integral troughlike extension 51b abuts against the insulate ing switch plate 93, and suitable screws or fastening means 94 secure the switch plate to the crank end bearing block 51.

The end cap 28 includes a shelflike portion 28b having an elongated opening 95 therein. This opening 95 permits a portion of a pivotally mounted switch knob 97 to extend therethrough, as best shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 7 of the drawings. For pivotally supporting the switch knob 97, it includes an integral projecting stud portion 97a which extends through an opening in the switch plate 93. To maintain knob 97 in position, a suitable spring fastening member 98 is secured to the end of stud 970. An overcenter spring 99, best shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 of the drawings, has one end 9% thereof received in a notch 19% defined in the switch knob $7, while the other end 9% is connected to a projection ltilla of a snap-acting switch blade Mill. The switch blade-1'01 includes an integral hookshaped portion will) which is adapted to receive within the hook-shaped portion thereof a pivot stud 103 suitably secured to the switch plate 93. The overcenter spring 99 tends to maintain the switch blade 101 with its hookshaped portion 1011) in engagement with the pivot stud I933. The free end of the switch blade 1491 is movable between a stop pin 1474 and a contact pin 105. The contact pin W5 is electrically connected by a suitable conductor, not shown, with the field winding 61. The stop 1G4, on the other hand, is electrically insulated from the other parts of the switch by the switch plate 93 and merely serves as a stop. It will be appreciated that as the switch knob 97 is rotated, the switch blade 101 will be moved 7 with a snap action in either'direction' between pins 104 and 105. V

For the purpose of limiting the pivotal movement of the knob switch 97, the insulating plate 93 is preferably provided with an arcuate opening 107 (P16. 7) for receiving another integral projection 97b of the knob switch 97. The projection 97b is movable in' arcuate opening 107 upon pivotal movement of switch knob 97, and by engagingthe ends of this opening 107, limits the maximum pivotal movement ofthe knob switch 97.

In order that electrical connections to the motor 24 may be made, a pair of terminal pins 109 and 110 project from the switch plate 93'from which they are supported in spaced parallel relationship. These'pins 109 and 110 are so mounted on the switch plate 93 as to extend into the opening 29 defined in the casing section 26. The pin 110 is preferably connected with the field winding 62 by. a suitable. electric conductor,'not shown, while the pin 109 is electrically connected by conducting bridging member 111 (FIGS. 4 and 7) with the pivot stud103 and, hence, with the switch blade 101. Bridging mem her 111 may be what is commonly termed a printed circuit suitably deposited on switch plate 93. A suitable power cord 112 (FIG; 1) is provided with a'female-type connector for engaging the terminal pins' 109 and 110 in a manner readily understood by'thos'e skilled in the art.

With this-arrangement the electric'motor may be electrically connected with a suitable source of current, either alternating or direct, and the energization of the motor can then be controlled by the switch 92.

For supporting the cutters 21a, 21b and 210 for oscillation with the cutter shaft 85, the cutter shaft85 is provided :with four upwardly extending supports 115a, 1151;, 115c and 115d. As best shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 9, these supports are each of somewhattriangular. shape withafiange'd opening 116 defined essentially at the apex of the triangle through which the cutter shaft 85 extends. I

To insure proper balance of thefmovable'portions of.

the cutter head assembly, the support 115a adjacent the commutator end of the shaver motor 24 is provided with a downwardly extending portion 118 to which is secured a counterweight 118a (FIG/4). The head 39 adjacent the counterweight 118a is preferably provided with a recess 119for receiving the counterweight and permitting movement thereof in response to oscillations of the cutter shaft85. 7

Each of the supports 115a, 1151), 115c and 1150. is provided in each time 117 thereof with a slot or groove 120, the slots in each tine of all the supports being aligned for receiving therein the cutter blades 21a, 21b and 210 in parallel angularly disposed relationship, as best'shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 of the drawings. Essentiallythese cutter blades are identical, asshown in FIG. l2 of the drawings, the only exception being that the cutter blades 21a and 210 provided with an identifying eyelet 121 whereasthe cutter blade 21b has no such eyelet. From the above description it will be apparent that the cutter,

supports115a, 115b, 1150 and 115d removably received in the slots 120 the three blades 21a, 21b and 210, there by maintaining the latter in parallel angularly disposed relationship so that the cutting edges thereof may be.

disposed in an arcuate manner for engaging thecomb 22.

springs, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 of the drawings,

are in the form of a wire of spring material deformed to the configuration best shown in FIG. 4 with the central U-shaped'portionadapted to be disposed between the supportsband 11 50 and within slots 124 formed in these supports. These slots 124 would be extensions of slots except for narrow wall portions 125 separating them as best shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. Somewhat upwardly extending angular end portions of springs 123a, 123b' and 1230 are adapted. to be received within the slots 120 of supports 115a and ,115b beneath cutter blades 21a, 21b and 210. It will be apparent that the supports 115i) and 1150 differ from the supports 115a'and 115d in that theyinclude the slots 124 separated from the slots 120 by the narrow wall portions 125, which slots 124 accommodate the central portion of the springs 123,

as is clearly shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. The ends of each of the springs 123 include a laterally projecting portion, designated as 126 in FIG. 2 ofthedrawings, so as to surely engage the underside of the associated blades, such as 21a, 21b and 210, respectively. Furthermore, this laterally projecting portion 126," when the associated blade 21 is removed, engages an integral lug or lateral projection 127 provided on" the .tines 117 of the end supports 115a and 115d.- In this way when the blade is removed the springs remain locked in position. Of course, the center portion of the spring is held in the slots 124 bythe wall portions 125.. It will beunderstood that the centrifugal forceproduced as a result of high speed oscillation of the cutter blades 21a, 21b and 210 will causethem to be forced against the inside surface of the comb 22 insuring engagement therewith in accordance with the principle set forth in Patent No. 2,081,- 694. This centrifugal force is, of course, combined with the force of the springs123a, 123b and 123c.

The comb 22 is in most respects very similar to the comb disclosed in Jepson Patent 'No. 2,688,184, referred to above. As illustrated'and as best shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, the comb 22-c0m'prises' a cutting surface 130 formed of very'thin flexible material perforated by one or more punching operations with a large number of hair receiving openings 1131 particularly well'adapted for'receiving short beard hairsjan'd a plurality of e'lon{ gated slots 132 having serrationsorteeth along the edges thereof for receiving long hairs. The area provided with theopenings131 and 132, bestshown in FIG. 3 of. the

I drawings, comprises the cutting area, which area definesstructure or frame generally designated at ,135, comprising a plurality of parallel arcuate ribs a, 1351? and 1356 spaced'from one another in adi rection :along the 'lon gitudinaFaxisofthe cutting blades 21a, 21b and 210,

and each terminating'in a parallel horizontally extending frame portion 135 1.. The ribs 135d and 135C are effectively end frame, members and are somewhat wider than the ribs 135b. The ribs 135b are uniformly spaced except adjacent the elongated slots 132 where closer spacing V for satisfactory supportis necessary. The .cutting sur-.

face portion 130 ofthe comb 22 is suitably riveted or otherwise secured to the comb frame 135, and specificallyto the portions 135d so as to provide a relatively rigid removable. unit sufficiently sturdy so as not to be damaged when handled Vin-1a normal manner. Although the end rib or frame member 135a definesthe end of the shaving 'area, in order .to provide a trimming areathe comb 22' is provided withan extension-beyond the rib 135a in the-forr'nof a plurality of spaced arcuatelypositionedcutting teeth 140 (FIGS. 3 and 8) which are defined as part of an arcuate end support 141 which rests on the projecting lugs of arcuate surface 390. The thin comb plate 130 has elongated slots 142 which are effectively continuations of the slots defined between the. teeth 14%.

In order that the cutter blades 21a, 21b and 21c may make shearing contact with the iner surface of the armate-shaped comb 22, and particularly the flexible comb portion 130 thereof without interfering with the ribs 135a and 135b, as is clearly shownin FIG. 4 of the drawings, the cutter blades are provided with a plurality of notches 143 and 144, as best shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings, the notch 144 being a relatively large notch to accommodate the end rib 135a. Thus, the portions of the cutting blade between the notches 143 and also between the notch 144 and the adjacent notch 143 provide cutting surfaces engageable with the inside surface of the flexible comb portion 131). As shown in FIG. 12, the blades also comprise a plurality of notches 145 which are located adjacent the elongated slots 132. These notches are provided so as not to interfere with the entry of long hairs into the elongated openings or slots 132.

In accordance with the present invention, each of the cutter blades 21a, 21b and 21c includes an end cutting portion, designated as 146, which cooperates with the inside surfaces of the teeth 140 previously described so as to provide a trimming cutting action over the arcuate area at the end, of comb 22 adjacent the end cap 27. In FIG. 13 there is clearly illustrated the manner in which the dry shaver of the present invention is used for trimming sideburns, and in a similar manner it can be used for trimming mustaches and for removing long hair in the ears, nose and the like.

in accordance with the present invention, the cutter blades 21a, 21b and 210 are adapted to be locked into place when inserted in the slots 120 in a manner so that they may readily be removed when desired. To this end, each of the blades 21a, 21b and 21c has a pair of integral hook-shaped projecting portions 148a and 148.), as best shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings. These hookshaped extensions 148a and 14% extend from the back of the cutter, or in other words, from the edge opposite the cutting edge and are spaced the same distance apart as are the center cutter supports 1151) and 1150. The cutter blades are adapted to be inserted in the slots 1211 with the open sides of the hook-shaped portions to the left of the supports 1215b and 1150, respectively, as viewed in FIG. 4 of the drawings. The cutter blades are then pushed downwardly into the slots 129 against the force of springs 123 so that the open ends of the hooks 148a and 14%!) are below the wall portions 125, whereupon the entire blade is moved slightly to the right as viewed in FIG. 4 so that the hook-shaped portions 143a and 14% move beneath the wall portions 125. Then, upon release of the pressure forcing the blades into the slot 121), the hook-shaped portions 148a and 148i; will engage the wall portions 125 and removably lock the blades in position.

, For best shaving action it is desired that the cutter blades 21a, 21b and 210 are always used in the same relative position in the cutter assembly and to this end, as was mentioned above, the cutter blades 21a and 216 are provided with eyelets 121 which preferably are of different color and correspondingly colored indicia, such as 147 (FIG. on the head 39 may be provided so that the blade 21a may always be inserted in the slot containing the spring 123a and the blade 210 in the slot containing the spring 1230. The third blade, which does not have the eyelet 121, is always inserted in the slots having associated therewith the spring 12%. Obviously the hook-shaped extensions 148a and 1485 and the trim rner ends 145 insure that the blades will always be inserted in the same direction.

For the purpose of protecting the cutting surface when the electric dry shaver is not in use, a comb guard 149, shown in F168. 4, 9 and 10 of the drawings, may be employed, which is preferably formed of a suitable molded plastic or the like and of an arcuate configuration so as to conform to the shape of the comb 22. Preferably suitable protrusions or dimples 151? provided on the comb 22 engage corresponding notches or recesses on the comb guard 149 to removably secure the same in the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 9 of the drawings.

From the above description, the comb 22 has the arcuate rib 141 at one end and the end frame member s at the other end supported on the cooperating arouate projections of the head assembly, specifically the arcuate surfaces 39c and 43a. To hold the comb 22 in position on these surfaces, there are provided a pair of comb locks 152 and 153, one disposed on either side of the head assembly. The lower edge of each of the comb locks 152 and 153 is provided with a longitudinally extending hook-shaped portion 152a and 153a, respectively, for engaging the corresponding hook-shaped portions 44a of the comb lock spring 44 in a manner to provide a sort of hinge support whereby the comb locks 152 and 153 may be pivoted between the closed position shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings and the open position of at least comb lock 15?. shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. The open position is, of course, a hair removing position. In accordance with the present invention, the comb lock 152 is provided with means to secure the comb 22 thereto so that upon moving the comb lock 152 to the open position the comb 22 is effectively moved therewith, as clearly shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. To this end the comb lock 152 is provided with a pair of tabs or projections 152b, adapted to engage suitable cooperating openings 15'? in the frame portions 135:! of the comb 22. (H65. 9 and 14). A comb retention spring 158 secured to the comb lock 52 by the clamping action of a pair of tabs 1520 integral with the comb lock has a portion engageable with the inside of the comb to removably hold the lugs or tabs 152k in engagement with openings 157. With this arrangement the comb 22 is effectively secured to the comb lock 152 so that upon moving the comb lock 152 to the open position the comb is automatically moved to a position free from the shaver but not free from the comb lock, and yet which will permit easy cleaning of hair particles and the like therefrom (FIG. 2). At the same time the comb retention spring 153 permits ready removal of the comb 22 from the comb lock 152 by merely distorting the same sufficiently for removal of the tabs 15212 from the openings 157. This is accomplished when the comb lock is in the open or semi-open position, at which time one side of the comb is lifted to disengage the opening 157 on that side from the tab or lug 15215 also on that side by merely stressing the comb retention spring 158. By subsequently lifting the other side of the comb the other opening 157 can then readily be released from the other tab 1521), and, of course, in installing the comb, the reverse procedure is utilized.

It will be understood that the comb retention spring tends to bias the comb lock 152 and, hence, the associated comb 22, when secured thereto to the open position, so that when the comb lock 153 is released the comb retention spring 15% tends to move the comb to the open position of FIG. 2 of the drawings.

The comb lock 153 is essentially similar to the comb lock 152 but includes only a single centrally disposed tab or lug 15311 engageable with a cooperating opening 161 at the center of the frame portion 135d. For the purpose of readily releasing the comb lock 153, there is provided a movable comb latch 162 pivotally mounted, as indicated, to the comb lock 153 by a hinge pin 163. The comb lock 153 has a pair of spaced parallel projecting lugs 1530 (one shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, and the other in FIG. 10) which support in aligned openings the hinge pin 163. Similarly, the comb latch 162 has cooperating spaced lugs 162a with aligned'openings for receiving part of the comb latch 162 with'the result that the upper part thereof bearing on the comb 22 acts as a lever to pry outwardly the comb lock 153, reclasing tab 15317 from opening 161. When this happens the comb retention spring 158 can readilyvbias the comb to the open position shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings.

In view of the, detailed description included above, the operation of the el ctric dry shaver 20 will be apparent to those skilled injthe art. It will furthermore be apparent that a dry shaver has been disclosed comprising readily assembled parts, each of very sturdy construction which will give long and foolproof operation. By virtue of the use of a plurality of cutter blades with end trimming members, there is provided a more efiicient shaver which can perform hair cutting operations ina.

much better manner than was heretofore'possible. Furthermore, with the improvedarrangement of comb support and comb'lock, the shaver may be cleaned of excess hair with a minimum of trouble and in a very simple and expeditious manner.

While only a single embodiment of thepresent inven-' the maximummovement of said lateral extensions when said cutter is removed from said slots. v '4. The shaver of claim '3 wherein said last-mentioned means comprises an integral lug projecting from said supports.

. 5. A shaver having a stationary-perforated cutting member and an elongated cutter, means for moving said cutter in shearing engagement with said stationary memher, a cutter shaft provided with a. plurality of supports extending radially therefrom and spaced apart longitudinally thereof, the ends of said supports/each havinga slot in a .plane parallel to the axis of said shaft for receiving said elongated cutter therein, a somewhat U- shaped wirelike spring member having the central portion supported by atlea'st one of said supports and the ends thereof extending into said slots of two other of said supports, portions of said spring engaging said cutter when saidcuttcris received in the slotted ends of said supports whereby said cutter is biased into shearing engagement with said stationary member, and interlocking means on the ends of said spring member and saidtw-o other supports for retaining said end' portions of said spring'member within said slots of said two other supports without interfering wi-th the action of said spring member with respect to biasing said cuttcrinto shearing engagement with said stationary member.

1. A dry shaver comprising an electric motor, a cutting V assembly secured to saidmotor including an oscillating blade supporting means, means drivingly interconnecting said motor and said blade supporting means, a casing comprising a cup-shaped member and a pair of end caps, said cup-shaped member having an open end, one of said end caps including a laterally extending shelflike portion having an opening defined therein, means forisecuring said motor within: said cup-shaped member with said cutting assembly projecting'from the open end of said cup-shaped member, said end caps being disposed one at either end of 'said cutting assembly with said shelflike portion of said one end cap remote'from said cutting assembly, switch means for controlling said electric motor including an insulating switch plate and manually actuatable switch knob pivoted to said plate, and means for securing said switch plate to said motor in said casing with said. knob projecting through said opening defined in the shelflike portion of said one end cap.

2. In an electric dry shaver, an electric motor, a cutting assembly including movable cutting means, means secured to said motor drivingly interconnecting said motor and said cutting means, a casing for said motor including a cup-shaped member for enclosing said motor, said motor including a 'T-shaped extension disposed adjacent the bottom of said casing, and means for securing said motor Within said cup-shaped member including a U-shaped clamping means secured to said casing for engaging said extension.

3. A shaver of the type having a uniformly curved comb and a cutter adaptedrto be moved along theinner side of said comb in shearing engagement therewith, the

between said spring and said comb whereby said cutter is biased in engagement with said comb, and means on the ends of said supports remote from said shaft for limiting 6. In an electric shaver,'the combination of a casing,

a comb secured to said casing, an elongated cutter blade adapted to be moved a-longthe-inner side of said comb in shearing engagement therewith, a shaft mounted on said casing and provided with a plurality of spaced apart supports extending'radially therefrom, each of said supports having a slot adjacent theend thereof which is remote I from said sha'fit,'said cutter blade .bein-g lo-osely'dis'posed in said slot, spring means for biasing said cutter into engagement with said comb, said cutter blade including a hook-shaped projection extending therefrom, and means on'one of said. supports engageable 'by said hook-shaped projection for releasably locking said cutter blade in said slots. 1 T l Q 7. 'A shaver'comprising a casing, a comb secured to said casing, an elongated cutter blade movable along the inner side of said. comb in shearing engagement therewith, a shaft-mounted on said casing and provided with a plurality of spaced apart-supports extending radially therefrom, each of said supports having a slot adjacent the end thereof which is remote from said shaft, said cutter blade being loosely disposedin said slots, motor means in said casing for. moving said shaft and consequently said blade, spring means for biasing the cutting edge of said cutter blade into shearing engagement with said comb, said cutter blade including a pair of hookshaped projections extending from the edge thereof oplocking said cutter bladein said slots.

8. The-shaver of claim 7 wherein said last mentioned means comprises wall portions integral with said supports dividing said slots into two sect-ions and wherein saidwall portions are engaged by said'hook shap'ed pro- 1 jections. y

9. Ashaver mechanism comprising a casing, an electric motor disposed in said casing, a cutter head disposed along-one edge of said casing comprising a comb and a cutter, means for'mounting said cutter for movement in shearing engagement with said comb, driving means interconnecting said cutter and said motor, a pair of comb locks pivotally secured tosaid casing for releasably securing said comb to said casing, and means for releasably securing said com b to one of said comb locks at a position remote from where said one comb'lock is pivotally secured torsaid casing whereby said one comb lock and comb secured thereto pivot as a unit to afford access to said cutter. V

10, In an electric shaver comprising a casing, an electric motor disposed in said casing, a cutter head disposed along one edge of said casing comprising a comb and a cutter means for mounting said cutter for movement in shearing engagement with said comb, driving means interconnecting said cutter and said motor, a pair of comb locks pivotally secured to said casing for releasably securing said comb to said casing, means for securring sai-d comb to one of said comb locks whereby said one comb lock and comb secured thereto pivot as a unit to afford access to said cutter, and lever means pivoted to said other comb lock for releasing said other comb lock from said comb.

11. The mechanism of claim 9 wherein spring means are provided to bias said one c-omb lock and comb to a position affording access to said cutter when the other of said comb locks is released from its securing position relative to said comb.

12. The mechanism of claim 9 wherein spring means are provided vf-or securing said comb to said one comb lock.

'13. The shaver of claim 3 wherein said spaced apart supports are triangularly shaped and said shaft is disposed vat the corresponding ones of the apices of said triangularly shaped supports, said supports having -a plurality of spaced angularly disposed slots at said end thereof remote from said shaft, a plurality of enlongated springs disposed in different cor-responding slots in said supports, and said cutter comprising a plurality of blades loosely disposed on each of said corresponding slots with the cutting edges thereof disposed in spaced parallel relationship.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 979,143 12/10 Faure 310-50 X 14 1,231,245 6/17 Endorf 310-258 X 1,811,903 6/31 Van Bree 30-216 2,134,609 10/38 Hay 30-416 2,196,098 4/40 Bruecker 30-3431 2,218,=168 10/40 Hedgepeth 310- X 2,234,89 1 3/41 Bruecker 30-341 2,268,005 1 2/41 Wright 30-341 2,275,022 3/42 Thomas 30-416 2,289,652 7/42 Jensen 30-439 2,396,181 3/46 Kerwer 30-435 2,484,610 /49 Cromonic 30-210 2,530,302 11/50 Jepson 30-34 X 2,598,292 5/52 ORussa 30-341 2,637,901 5/53 Kahn et a1 30-416 2,648,898 8/5'3 Jepson 30-41.6 2,674,037 4/54 Swenson 30-436 X 2,797,479 7/57 Jepson 30-439 2,828,539 4/58 Winther 30-439 2,830,364 4/58 Barnard 30-4391 2,833,033 5/58 Heyek 30-4392 2,839,828 6/58 Locke 30-416 2,841,867 7/58 Padgett 30-41.6 2,873,520 12/59 Sc'hnapp et al. 30-341 2,900,719 8/59 Kohner 30-4392 2,915,816 12/59 Gray 30-4392 2,931,099 4/60 Schell 30-439 2,935,788 5/60 Kleinman 30-416 X 2,982,020 5/61 Bulova et a1. 30-439 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,025,299 2/58 Germany.

WILLIAM FELDMAN, Primary Examiner. EDWARD V. BENHAM, MIRON KRUSE, Examiners. 

1. A DRY SHAVER COMPRISING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR, A CUTTING ASSEMBLY SECURED TO SAID MOTOR INCLUDING AN OSCILLATING BLADE SUPPORTING MEANS, MEANS DRIVINGLY INTERCONNECTING SAID MOTOR AND SAID BLADE SUPPORTING MEANS, A CASING COMPRISING A CUP-SHAPED MEMBER AND A PAIR OF END CAPS, SAID CUP-SHAPED MEMBER HAVING AN OPEN END, ONE OF SAID END CAPS INCLUDING A LATERALLY EXTENDING SHELFLIKE PORTION HAVING AN OPENING DEFINED THEREIN, MEANS FOR SECURING SAID MOTOR WITHIN SAID CUP-SHAPED MEMBER WITH SAID CUTTING ASSEMBLY PROJECTING FROM THE OPEN END OF SAID CUP-SHAPED MEMBER, SAID END CAPS BEING DISPOSED ONE AT EITHER END OF SAID CUTTING ASSEMBLY WITH SAID SHELFLIKE PORTION OF SAID ONE END CAP REMOTE FROM SAID CUTTING ASSEMBLY, SWITCH MEANS FOR CONTROLLING SAID ELECTRIC MOTOR INCLUDING AN INSULATING SWITCH PLATE AND MANUALLY ACTUATABLE SWITCH KNOB PIVOTED TO SAID PLATE, AND MEANS FOR SECURING SAID SWITCH PLATE TO SAID MOTOR IN SAID CASING WITH SAID KNOB PROJECTING THROUGH SAID OPENING DEFINED IN THE SHELFLIKE OF SAID ONE END CAP. 